Commander Addresses SF-West Troops & Educates Them on a Variety of Concerns

Lieutenant General Vikum Liyanage, Commander of the Army this afternoon (2) made his first visit to the Security Force HQ-West (SFHQ-West) at Panagoda and addressed the troops, attached to the SFHQ-West and its under command establishments, including 14 and 61 Divisions. The address, attended by a representative gathering of more than four digits took place at the Army Gymnasium premises in Panagoda.

Setting out his vision for the Army in future and commenting on current issues and tense social developments, the Army Chief in his comprehensive address focused particularly on the role and tasks of the Army, maintenance of relations with the Police and other supportive elements, its present security engagements, civil-military co-operation, decision-making, practical approaches and possibilities for resolution thru dialogue, assistance to affected general public due to the current crisis, maintenance of goodwill and restraint, correct perception of public pulses and feelings, maintenance of Army dignity and discipline, adoption of diplomacy at all levels, etc.

He also commended the troops for their performance of respective roles to this date in the Colombo region and also in the western province in an impressive manner where there lives a dense concentration of civilians.

Towards the culmination of the address, Major General Deepal Pussella, Commander Security Forces-West presented a memento to the Commander of the Army as an appreciative gesture.

Major General Samantha Wickremasena, General Officer Commanding 14 Division, Major General Mohan Ratnayake, General Officer Commanding 61 Division, Brigade Commanders, Commanding Officers and representatives from all Regimental Headquarters in the cantonment were there to listen to the Army Chief.